FLORIDA STATE MUSEUM. l.pili*frf:.9., BULLETIN OF THE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES. Volume 4 Number 8

Transcription

1 BULLETIN OF THE FLORIDA STATE MUSEUM BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES Volume 4 Number 8 THE EPAXIAL MUSCULATURE OF SIREN, AMPHIUMA, AND NECTURUS (AMPHIBIA) Walter Auffenberg / **Sr>=8Z~ l.pili*frf:.9., UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA Gainesville 1959

2 The numbers of THE BULLETIN OF THE FLORIDA STATE MUSEUM, BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, will be published at irrogular intdrvals. Volumes will contain about 800 pages and will not necessarily be' completed in any one calendar year. f:, OLIVER L. AUSTIN, JR., Editor The publication of this number of THE BUL- LETIN has been made possible by a grant from the Graduate School, University of Florida. All communications concerning purchase or exchange of the publication should be adelressed to the Curator of Biological Sciences, Florida State Museum, Seagle Building; Gairiesville, Florida. Manuscripts should be sent to the Edit6r of the BULLETIN, Flint Han, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida. Published 21 May 1959 Price for this issue $.25

3 THE EPAXIAL MUSCULATURE OF SIREN, AMPHIUMA, AND NECTURUS (AMPHIBIA) WALTER AUFFENBERG 1 SYNOPSIS: Almost all of the studies dealjng with the trunk musculature of urodeles have been restricted to the hypaxial series. In this study the epaxial muscle mass of three genera (Siren, Amphiuma, and Necturus) have been examined. The entire dorsal muscle mass is divided into three main units on the basis of fiber attachments. Each unit is in turn provided with several distinct fiber tracts, derived from a primitive and simple myoseptal system. These minor complexi-, ties are described in regards to approximate size, direction, and attachment in the three genera studied. All three genera have a similar afrangement in the more superficial fiber tracts. In regard to the deeder tracts Necturus is most primitive. Siren and Amphiuma illustrate certain specializations involved in allowing these genera to bend their body vertically to a greater extent than is normally possible in members of this class. The specializations are apparently independently derived. The abandonment of myoseptal attachments and intervertebral systems more well developed are examples of such specialization. INTRODUCTION Studies of musculature in the urodeles have been restricted largely to the branchial, hypaxial aild-appendicular areas. The main reason for this is that their epaxial trunk musculature has generally been considered to be a mass of Hbers which, if oriented at all, were so complex and interlaced that no serious attempt was even made to study the fiber tracts. Thus the epaxial complex is generally referred to as the "dorsal muscle mass." Certain authors (Nishi, 1916; Francis, 1984; et al.) recognized several subdivisions within the entire complex, but the units they described were very broad and not clearly defined in terms of fiber attachments. During a study of Recent and fossil ver.tebrae of a number of salamanders it became obvious that in the Shenidae these elements afe quite-distinctive. They differ markedly from other urodele Vertebrae in a number of ways, and particularly in the shape of the neural arch. In no other known living amphibian is the posterior portion of the arch shaped into a horizontally-oriented V-shaped notch with its apex directed anteriorly. The tivo raised arms of the V have been termed i The author is an Associate in the Florida State Museum, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, and curator in vertebrate paleontology of the University of Florida Collections. His most 'impor~tant contributions deal with the fossil history of small amphibiahs and reptiles. Manuscript submitted March 31, ED.

4 254 BULLETIN FLORIDA STATE MUSEUM Vol. 4 the alliform processes (Coin and Auffenberg, 1955). These processes are presumably formed by bony outgrowths of the dorsal surface by the neural arch itself, rather than by an upturning of the posterior edge of the neural arch. As a result, the roof of the neural canal is complete and forms a "floor" between the thin Vertical V-shaped alliform processes. This condition is so singular that isolated fossil vertebral elements of this group of salamanders are easily recognized, which has recently permitted the extension of the known fossil history of this group to the Lower Cretaceous (Coin and Auffenberg, 1958). The peculiar structural features of the vertebrae of this family of salamanders led to the present study. The unusual vertebral processes of the Sirenidae suggest that the epaxial muscle fiber tracts are probably more complex than those of most other living urodeles. The complexity and yet distinctiveness of the fiber tracts suggest that much.might be gleaned from a study of the "dorsal muscle mass" of other urod61es as well. For comparative purposes the epaxial muscle complex of Amphiuma and Nectufus were also' studied. Most of the problems associated with a study of this kind are related to the necessity of studying Only fiber direction and attachments. There are no clear demarcations between muscle masses in the nature of delimiting fascicular connective tissue. Muscles delimited by fascia are found only in the appendicular and branchial areas. In Siren these have been studied mainly by Wilder (1891) and Maurer (1892). A particularly bothersome point when dealing with only Bber direction is that it is almost impossible to establish homologous relationships. For this reason the various epaxial fiber tracts are not named with respect to possible homologous Structures in higher vertebrates. The entire dorsal muscle mass is easily divided into a number of units based on Bber attachments. Each unit is in turn provided with several distinct fiber tracts, derived from a primitive and simple myoseptal system. These specialized minor complexities in the fiber tracts are described in regard to approximate size, direction, and attachments, and are designated by a simple letter system. This avoids the problem of homologues for ihe present, and still allows for a "terminology necessary for comparison with the epaxial system of other urodeles. The following data were obtained from the dissection and partial maceration of three adult specimens of Siren lacertina and one adult each of Necturus maculatus and Amphiuma means.

5 1959 AUFFENBERG : EPAXIAL MUSCULATURE OF SIREN 255 EPAXIAL TRUNK MUSCULATURE Three, main subdivisions of the epaxial muscle ma5s can be distinguished in each of the genera examined. Each division need not be of equal importance, or of equal distinctness. These are: (1) intermyoseptal fibers, (2) myoseptal-vertebral Bbers, and (8) intervertebral fibers. TR MV-1 IV-5 IV-4 IV-6.. IV-2 MV-2 - ~ ~tv-6 SV IV-1 MV-2 /;-_ lv-6 MV-3 IV-6 IM Figure 1.-Epaxial fiber tracts in Siren lacertina. (IM) Intermyoseptal fibers, (IV) Intervertebral fibers, (MV) Myoseptal-vertebral fibers, (SV) Subvertebralis complex, (TR) Trarisversus. Intermyoseptal Fibers SmEN.-Figure 1. This is not only the most superficial of the main fiber tract diyisions in the urodeles, but the most extensive one, covering the largest part of the dorsal surface of the body. It evidently represents the most primitive group of the three divisions. Fibers from this division extent out distally to all parts of the dorsal area and attach to the inner surface of the skin, making it somewhat difficult to remove. The myotomal septa attach proximally along the upper edge 6f the alliform processes and distally to the skin. In the region above the vertebrae they billow out to present a surface concave posteriorly, convex anteriorly. Laterally the myotomal septa undulate in a regular pattern. Muscle fibers run longitudinally and connect adjacent septae. As a.group these Bbers form thick midcle segments that compdse much of the subsurface musculature of the entire postcranial epaxial area. The myotomal fibers run caudocraniad

6 $ 256 BULLETIN FLORIDA STATE MUSEUM Vol. 4 and ara not evenly distributed, but tend to occur in groups or tracts. These tracts are only slightly separated from one another Iitv-6 IV-5,./.37 IV-7 MV-i Figure 2.-Epaxial septal arrangement and fiber tracts in Amphiuma: Abbreviations as in Figure 1. AMPHIUMA.-Figure 2. As in Siren the intermyoseptal fibers cover the entire external part of the epaxial complex. Fiber tracts run from septum to septum, with many fibers attaching distally to the internal surface of the skin. The myotomal septa are considerably more complex than in Siren. Each septum attaches anteriorly to the posterodorsal surface of a transverse process. Distally the septum attaches to the undersurface of the skin. Between these two points of attachment the septum billows out posteriorly. Medially it is attached to the sharp ridge on the dorso-lateral surface of each neural arch, a structure quite characteristic of the vertebrae of Amphiuma (Fig.. 2). To this ridge is attached another septum, vertical in position, and close to the neural spine dorsally. Anteriorly it attaches to the laterally expanded posterior raised portion of the neural arch. Within the pocket formed between this septum and the lateral surface of the vertebra a series of fiber bundles run from one septum to another, or from the vertebra to the septum. Some of these will be discussed in

7 1959 AUFFENBERG: EPAXIAL MUSCULATURE OF SIREN 257 more detail below. In addition to the interseptal fibers in this small pocket, other fiber bundles run between the more 6bvious main septae laterally. As in Siren, all of these fibers run antero-posteriorly. The additional septum described above is fairly difficult to Bnd, particularly in wet specimens.. The structure is more readily observed when dry. It also becomes more obvious after a short period of maceration. After its discovery in Amphiuma it was searched for several times without success in both Siren and Necturus. Figure 2 shows ~ the complex septal arrangement and fiber tract attachments in Amphiuma. NECTuRus.-Of the three genera examined, the dorsal muscle mass is simplest in Necturus. The interseptal fibers are extensive as in Amphiuma and Siren. As fewer fibers run distally to attach to the underside of the skin in necturus, the dermis is more easily removed than in the other two gdnera examined. The septa are loosely attached to the underside of the skin. Medially they are attached to the posterior edge of the neural arch of One vertebra, the connection then extending post6riorly to the succeeding vertebra along the dorsal surface of its transverse process and thence distally dorsal to the rib, where it joins the main h6rizontal septum.' Dorso-laterally the epaxial portion of the septum billows out posteriorly as in the - two other genera examined. The septae and their connecting fiber tracts are more similar to those in Siren than in Amphiuma. This is particularly true of the septal system. Myoseptal-Vertebral Fibers Dorsal to the vertebrae, and Ventral to the interseptal fibrous tracts are a' more complex group of fiber tracts which are of more concern for purposes of the present study, here termed the.myoseptal-vertebral fibers. It is the complexity b-elow the interseptal fibers which is of most interest as regards the epaxial musculature of the sirenid salamanders. SIREN:-(Figure 1.) Only three tracts have been recognized as having attachments with'the myotomal septa at one end and the vertebrae at the other. These tracts are as follows: MV-1.-The vertebral attachment for these Bbers is at the postero- -lateral edge of the transverse process. Here the fibers coalesce with some intervertebral fibers running frdm oile transverse process of one vertebra to the transverse pr6cess of another vertebra. The fibers run posteriorly from the transverse process to attadh near the upper edge

8 258 BULLETIN FLORIDA STATE MUSEUM Vol. 4 of the septum, near its confluence with the skin, and lateral to the tip of the transverse process of the succeeding vertebra. MV-2.-These are septal to zygapophysial fibers, running from the posterior edge of the postzygapophyses posteriorly to the myoseptum of the succeeding vertebra. MV-3.-Fibers belonging to this group run from the superior surface of the dorsal lamina Of the transverse process posteriorly to near the distal edge 6f the myoseptum of the same vertebra. AMpHIuMA.-(Figure 2.) MV-1.-The fibers of this group, as in Silen, run from the transverse process of one vertebra to a myoseptum. In Amphiuma the fiber tract runs from each septum posteriorly to the antero-dorsal surface of the transverse process of the succeeding vertebra and another set running anteriorly to the postero-dorsal surface of the transverse process of the preceding vertebra. MV-2.-These are fibers which attach at one end to the septum, and at the other end to the zygapophyses. As in the MV-1 tract, the MV-2 tract in Amphiuma seems to be quite different than those found in Sifen. The Bbers are attached at one end to the dorsoanterior surface of the prezygapophysial process, but run anteriorly to the posterior surface of the preceding septum. Amphiuma has two additional fiber tracts that apparently do not occur in Siren. These are. MV-3.-This is a series of Bbers running from the anterior half of the lateral surface of the neural arch to the posterior surface of the septum of the preceding vertebra. MV-4.-Fibers from this group make up a long tract running from the lateral surfape of the neural spine and the adjacent palt of the neural arch to the anterior surface of the septum of the succeeding vertebra. NECTURUS.-The myoseptal-vertebral fibers in the epaxial area of this genus are very simple compared iwith those in Siren and Amphiuma. MV-1.-Of all the tracts of this division in Necturus this is the most well developed. The fibers run from the P6stero-dorsal surface of the transverse process of one vertebra posteriorly to the anterior surface of the succeeding septum, and from the posterior surface of this septum to the antero-dorsal surface of the succeeding transverse process. Thus fibers run anteriorly and posteriorly to each septum

9 1959 AUFFENBERG: EPAXIAL MUSCULATURE OF SIREN 259 from the preceding and succeeding transverse processes, as in Amphiuma. MV-2.-This tract is also fairly well developed in Necturus. As in Amphiuma the fibers run from the lateral surface of the neural arch and the neural spine, as well as from the dorsal surface of the postzygapophysial process, anteriorly to the preceding septum. No fiber tracts corresponding to the MV-4 series could be discerned in the dissection of Necturus. The MV-8 group in Necturus is simply represented by modified, more anteriorly placed and slightly differently oriented fibers of the MV-2 series. Intervertebral Fibers These fibers are apparently the most important of all of the groups for comparative purposes. Some of the tracts seem closest to what might be considered homologs of epaxial muscles in the higher vertebrates. Certain functional analogs are rather 6bvious in some cases. It is certain that developmental homologies cannot be more than casually suggested at the present time. Several main tracts have been recognized in all three genera Studied. SiREN,-(Figure 1.) IV-1.-The fibers of this series begin near the, medio-anterior dorsal surface of the ~ projected anterior upper edge of the neural arch. The fibers thence continue anteriorly, connecting to the posterior surface of the entire length of each of the arms of the V-shaped alliform processes (Figure 1). Apparently the increased length of this tract is involved in providing greater mechanical efficiency, presumably in moving the body up and to the side. In action the tract must be similar to the multifidus muscle of some of the reptiles with a postetiorly extended neural arch, as is found in the snakes. There is no reason to suppose that these units are homologous, since the multifidus attaches to the upper posterior surface 0f the neural arch, whereas the tract in Siren attaches at the anterior upper surface. IV-2.-This is a rather large fiber tract connecting adjacent vertebrae by running from the dorsal part of the entire neural arch of one vertebrae, ineluding the anterior surface of the alliform process, anteriorly to the floor of the alliform process and the posterior edge of the preceding vertebra. In action it must be very similar to the intervertebralis of higher vertebrates and is probably a true homolog of this muscle.

10 260 BULLETIN FLORIDA STATE MUSEUM Vol. 4 IV-3.-Certain fibers which become interlaced with those of the IV-2 series originate on the prezygapophysis of the next posterior vertebra, to insert with the fibers of IV-2 on the alliform process. These fibers can thus be said to span one vertebra, but the fibers are so inextricably interwoven with those of the IV-2 series that they can hardly be termed a distinct tract in themselves. Furthermore, not all of these fibers continue to the allifoffn process, some of them seemingly attaching to the upper surface of the adjacent vertebra cranially. In action the oute~ Bbers of the IV-2 and those of the IV-8 series probably have an action very similar to that of longissimus complex of some of the reptiles. IV-4.-This fiber tract is a small one, attaching at the one end to the cranio-distal end of the transverse prcicess, in the slot between the dorsal and ventral laminae of that process, and at the other end to the caudal border of the postzygapophysis of the adjacent preceding vertebra. IV-5.-This is a fairly large fber tract connecting adjacent transverse processes. At one end of the fibers are attaehed to the cranial edge of the ventral lamina of the next posterior vertebra. From this point the Bbers run anteriorly to attach along the dorsal surface of the dorsal lamina of the transverse process of the next vertebra. Other fibers run from the anterior edge of the ventral lamina of the transverse proces5 of a posterior vertebra and run anteriorly to attach along the entire posterior edge of the transverse process- of the proceeding vertebra as well as the adjacent part of the centrum of the same element. AMPHIUMA.-(Figure 1) IV-1.-In Amphiuma this series is very much modified from the condition observed in Siren. The fibers are attached much more dorsally and medially, covering the lateral surface of the anterior part of the neural spine as well as the adjacent dorso-lateral part of the neural arch. From these areas the fibers run anteriorly to the posterior portion of the postzygapophysial process. The fibers run anterolaterally. They appear to be modified intervertdbralis Bbers, and probably function in much the same manner. IV-2.-SThe fiber tract designated as the IV-2 series is very similar to the same series in Siren. The fiber direction is antero-posteriorly. They attach along the posterior edge of the neural spine and the adjacent arch, and extend posteriorly to along the entire lateral sur-

11 1959 AUFFENBERG: EPAXIAL MUSCULATURE OF SIREN 261 face of the neural spine and tbe entire dorsal surface of the neural arch. The series designated as the IV-8 and IV-4 tracts in Siren have not been found in Amphiuma. However, several other groups have' been distinguished which seem to be lacking in Siren. IV-5.-As in Siren the fibers of this tract run between adjacent transverse processes. IV-6.-This series is not found in Siren. In Amphiuma it forms a very large group, with the fibers running from the large anteri6r surface of the highly keeled postzygapophysial process to the posterior surface of the vertical keel on the, next vertebra anteriorly. IV-7.-The Rbers of this tract also seem to be missing in Siren;, or are so modified that they have not been recognized as yet. They do not form a very important or large group of fibers. The tract attaches at one end to the anterior sufface of the prezygapophysial buttress of one vertebra to the posterior portion of the transverse process of the preceding yertebra. NECTURUS.-The intervertebral series in this genus of salamanders is very much simpler than that seen in Siren or Amphiuma. The IV-1 and IV-2 series are inseparable, no difference in fiber direction being observable. The entire mass of 8bers run from the posterior surface of the neural spine and postzygapophysial buttresses posteriorly to attach along the entire dorsal surface of the neural arch. As discrata units the IV-8 and IV-4 seem to be completely missing in Necturus. The IV-5 series is present, running from transverse process to transverse process in a manner very similar to that fbund in Siren and Amphiuma. An IV-6 tract is present, but is much less obvious than in Amphiuma. The IV-7 series seems to be completely lacking. in Necturus. HYPAXIAL TRUNK MUSCULATURE Maurer (I892, 1911) and others have dealt extensively with the muscles of this series, These publications will not be reviewed here. However, certain features of the details of Some of these muscles have not been previously deseribed. Maurer, Noble (1981) and others have discussed the general evolutionary and functional significance of the variability Of this series in the urodeles, but the matter is obviously not as clear as might be desired. As Maurer (1911) has pointed out con5iderable parallel development has occurred in the evolution of certain features of the hypaxial complex. Its evolution

12 262 BULLETIN FLORIDA STATE MUSEUM ' Vol. 4 seems dependent on body form, phylogeny and function. The importance of each of these has not been clearly delimited. The fiber tracts composing the muscle mass immediately below the vertebrae are more complex in terms of attachments than previous workers have indicated. These tracts make up a large part of what 5,. Maurer terms the subvertebralis complex. More specifically it is part of what 'he described as the M. subvertebralis medialis. This small proximai portion of the subvertebralis complex differs considerably in the three genera examined during the course of the present study. In some cases these differences seem quite basic. In Siren the deeper intervertebral Bbers of this complex can be separated into two series. In One series the fibers run diagonally from the lower surface of the transverse process both anteriorly and posteriorly to the lateral surfaces of the centra of both preceding and succeeding vertebra. Another series of fibers run longitudinally from the body of one cenfrum to the body of another preceding or succeeding centrum. An even more superficial group of fibers extends from one septum to another. This is the group which is seen when the animal is eviscerated preparatory to dissection of 'the internal hypaxial muscles. In Amphiuma these three groups of fiber tracts are present and as well, developed as they are in Siren. In addition a fourth group appears as a modified intercentral fiber tract. Each tract of this group extends diagonally from the basipophysial process of one vertebra anteriorly to the antero-lateral surface of the centrum of the preceding element. This group is quite superficial and can be seen after the animal is eviscerated and without dissection. In Necturus the system is generally somewhat more simple than that in Siren and Amphiuma. Diagonally directed fiber tracts extend anteriorly and posteriorly to the lateral surfaces of the centrum from both the transverse processes and the myosepta. A third series runs longitudinally from myoseptum to myoseptum. Lateral to this immediately subvertebral medial complex in Siren is an almost transversely directed series of Bbers which is not strongly segmented, and which covers a large part of the internal doiso-lateral wall. This has been termed tha transversus (Maurer, 1892). Lateral to the large transversus in Siren is another series in which the Bbers run more or less transversely. This is the M. obliquus internus which covers most of the area'of the lateral wall. In Amphiuma the subvertebralis complex is more obviously split into two distinct series; i,e.: that which is immediately subvertebral in position, the medial

13 1959 AUFFENBERG: EPAXIAL MUSCULATURE OF SIREN 268 portion of the subvertebralis, and a very large more lateral portion, the subvertebralis lateralis. The latter covers most of the area encompassed by the trdnsversus in Siren. Ventro-lateral to, the subvertebralis complex in Amphiuma is a completely unsegmented transversus, more lateral in position than in Siren. In Amphiuma the obliquus internus can only be seen by reflecting the transversus. Necturus is similar to Amphiuma in this particular regard. However, the transversus is located more laterally, and the lateral portion of the subvertebralis is much larger in Necturus than in Amphiuma. DISCUSSION The fiber tracts of the epaxial muscle mass in urodeles are de- - scribed in as much detail as is possible at this time. It is assumed that increasing comblexity of fiber tracts is a condition advanced over that of less complex systems. All three of the genera studied show a similar arrangement in the m6re superficial intermyoseptal fiber tracts. In regards to the deeper tracts, Siren is quite different from tbe two other genera examined. It illustrates a fair complexity in the fber tracts, particularly of the interveitebral series. Fiber tracts running from the prezygapophysial processes of one vertebra to the postzygapophysial processes of an adjacent vertebra, and tracts running from the transverse process of one vertebra to the postzygapophysial process of another vertebra are examples. Of the three genera examined Necturus is decidedly the most primitive in its epaxial Eber tracts. The deeper intervertebral portions of the complex are simply an extension of the metameric myotomal system onto the vertebral elements, with but very slight modification. Amphiuma illustrates a very specialized condition, but one quite different from that found in Siren. This is well shown by the great complexity of the septal arrangement medially. In addition, there are certain speeializations in the intervertebral fiber tracts, such as the development of a series of fibers connecting the prezygapophysial buttress and the transverse process. Presumably the function is the same as in the specialized transverse process-postzygapophysial tract in Siren. The epaxial muscle complex is one which is seemingly most important in raising certain portions of the body as a concave arc. It is probably much less important in lateral bending, which function is presumably shared (in a more primitive condition) in conjunetion with the hypaxial complex. As the vertebral column became more dorsally located in the cross sectional area of the body these muscles played a less important role in lateral undulations. The more snake-

14 264 BULLETIN FLORIDA STATE MUSEUM Vol. 4 like urodeles, such as Amphiuma and Siren are quite capable of bend-, ing the body vertically to a great degree. Presumably the specializations which allow these forms to bend in this plane involve specializations in the epaxial musculature. These specializations would involve at least a partial abandonment of myoseptal attachments. The intervertebral systems wouid become more developed. This is illustrated by the epaxial musculature of both Siren and Amphiuma, forms with a similar body form and mode of locomotion. However, certain basic differences between the two indicate that the arrangement is independently derived in the two genera. The specializations in Amphiuma can more easily be derived from the primitive condition in Necturits than can those of Siren. Concerning the hypaxial musculature, the deeper portions of the subvertebralis complex is basically similar in all three genera, except for the strong basipophysial attachments in Amphiuma. These fibers are apparently important in bending the body down and to the side. In Siren a series of fibers running from the small anterior process on the ventral lamina of the transverse process to the side of the centrum of the. preceding vertebra apparently function similarly. The lateral hypaxial musculature is quite different in the three genera examined. It is simplest iii Necturus. The muscles in thisarea in Necturus are not highly specialized for. forming an arc of a short radius. In the snake-like forms, such as Amphiuma and Siren, the loss of segmentation in some of the muscles of this complex apparently provide greater mechanical effciency in this type of movement. As has been pointed out by Maurer (1892) Amphiuma is most ~ specialized in this regard since both the tfansversus and obliquus externus superficialis are unsegmented. In Siren only the transversus is unsegmented, and then only partially so. The better development of more lateral epaxial intervertebral muscles in Siren may take Over this function. In addition, Siren possess a rectus lateralis, a muscle presumably very important in lateral motion in other forms. This muscle is lacking in Amphiuma. According to Maurer Siren possesses fewer muscle layers in the body than do certain primitive forms. This reduction is thought by several workers to be one of the main themes in the evolution of the hypaxial series. Amphiunia possesses more layers; but is specialized in other ways. The present study on epaxial musculature and Maurer's and dthers' work oh the hypaxial musculature show that Amphiuma and Siren have parallel developmenf 'in muscle evolution probably influenced by similar modes of existence. The differences in these

15 1959 AUFFENBERG: EPAXIAL MUSCULATURE OF SIREN structures between the two genera seem to be basic and support the widely held concept of their distant relationship. LITERATURE CITED Francis, E. T. B The anatomy of the salamander. Oxford: Clarandon P.ress, pp. i-xxxi, Coin, C. J., and W. Auffenberg Tht fossil salamanders of the family Sirenidae. Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., vol. 118, no. 7, pp New salamanders of the family Sirenidae from the Cretaceous of North Maurer, F. America. Fielcliana. Geology, vol. 10, no, 33, pp, : Der Aufbau und die Entwicklung der ventralen Rumpfmusculatur bei den urodelen Amphibien und deren Beziehungen zu den gleichen Muskaln. der Selachier und Teleostier. Morph. Jahrb., vol. 18, pp Die ventrale Rumpfmuskulatur von Menobranchus, Menopoma und Nishi, S. Amphiuma, verglichen mit den gleichen Muskeln andered Urodelen. Jena. Zeitschr., vol. 47, pp Zur vergleichenden Anatomic der eigentlichen Ruckenmuskeln. Morphol. Jahrb., vol. 1, pp Noble, G. K The biology of the Amphibia. New York: MeGraw-Hill, pp , Wilder, H. H A contribution to thd anatomy of Siren lacertina. Zool. Jahrb., Abt. of Morph., vol. 4, pp

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